“When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” Matt. 11:2-3

Even for John the wait had been too long. Earlier, upon seeing Jesus, he had proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). He had seen and testified that Jesus was the “Son of God” (John 1:34). But there, in the darkness of that prison, doubt had made its way into John’s heart. He must have thought, “What if I was wrong? What if this is all just a dream?” And who could have blamed him, after all “even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall” (Is. 40:30). The saving of the world is slow business.

I suspect he was bold at his arrest and only began to doubt as the days dragged on, as the months dragged on. Perhaps his faith increased as he heard of the miracles and healings but then the darkness and loneliness made him doubt. Perhaps the memory of Jesus’ baptism gave him strength but somewhere along that dark road doubt found him. I imagine this scene because it is often my own plight—confidence mingled with doubt.

I find great encouragement in John’s moment of doubt and Jesus’ soft response.

What John wanted was not an answer but encouragement. He wanted this miracle-worker upon whom the Holy Spirit had rested to tell him all would be well—that the wait was over. John may have doubted Jesus but, more, he doubted himself. He doubted his ability to keep hope alive until the saving of the world was accomplished. He was a bit scared, and with good reason.

To John’s good question, “Are you the one?” Jesus sent back a simple message, “Tell John what you heard and saw” (Matt. 11:5). Jesus was not offended that John asked but patient—as love should be. He did not trace his messianic authority throughout history but offered the obvious evidence at hand—the wisdom of his words and the working of his power. This was a simple way to say, “Yes John, I am.” Without crushing an already faint heart Jesus used doubt as an opportunity for faith.

John could die in peace knowing that he had indeed served the purpose of “preparing the way for the Lord.”

I am aware and grateful that Jesus did not send back rebuke for John’s question but rather gentle assurance. For those who do not believe doubt is a way of life. For we who believe it is a continual struggle. We are reminded that we can ask and receive confidence because—it is true and He is real. My blind, lame, leprous, deaf, even dead, heart receives the good news—it is HE! Await no other.

Copyright(C)2009 Hudson Russell Davis Oct. 13, 2009
While there was obviously some confusion in John he had not so much lost hope as acquired doubt. Whatever he had expected and whatever his timetable, things were not going as he had expected. Reports were coming to him of the miracles, the healings, the power of Jesus’ words and John believed.

Copyright(C)2009 Hudson Russell Davis